A new organization, Defend Texas, is pointing out the hypocrisy of some Texas politicians who proclaim support for property rights. As we have previously pointed out, Texas politicians were vehemently opposed to the use of eminent domain along the Red River, but have supported (or remained silent) seizing private property along the Rio Grande. Defend Texas correctly questions this inconsistency:
Several years ago, when the Bureau of Land Management sought to take private property along the Red River, at our northern border, everyone from Governor Perry, down, stood up and said Hell, no! Come and take it! But where is that chorus, today?
Where are the elected officials of every rank and party? Of every region and ethnic background, native born and naturalized? Those who hail from First Families and first generations? Are they standing up for Texas, today?
So which is it? Do Texas politicians support property rights or not? The answer is clear: Hell no.
A “principle” with exceptions is not a principle. It is a loose guideline that one will follow when it is convenient. And that guideline will be tossed out when that is convenient.And this is precisely what many (if not most) Texas politicians have done.
Sometimes, following a principle means taking a stand that is not popular with one’s supporters. But principles are not about winning a popularity contest; they are about doing what is right. And it is right to defend property rights. This is true along the Red River and along the Rio Grande.
If a politician proclaims his support for property rights, but fails to consistently defend property rights, his words are meaningless. So the challenge to Texas politicians who proclaim to support property rights: prove it by supporting property rights across the state (and the nation), not just when an issue impacts your political supporters.